The New Birmingham Library 10.10.11

First look at new Birmingham library

Apr 2 2009 By Neil Elkes
Artists impression of the new Birmingham central library

THIS is the first image of the new £193 million library which is set to transform Birmingham’s Centenary Square.

Council bosses insist the controversial scheme will be immune from the credit crunch and will open in 2013.

Dutch architect Francine Houben and her firm Mecanoo have designed it to dominate the square and meet the demands of the 21st century library service.
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City leader Mike Whitby described it as “iconic” and added that it would provide a major economic boost to the city with construction slowing in the recession.

He said: “Despite the global economic slowdown, demand for and confidence in Birmingham has never been higher.
Artists impression of the new Birmingham central library

“The new library will be an iconic landmark and a testament to the role Birmingham will play in the 21st century as a truly global city.

“The new designs are further evidence of our intention to attract world-class architects to work with the city, and these designs support our ambition to create a building which will bring people together, nurture creativity, allow far greater access to our cultural heritage, and act as a focal hub within the city and the region.”

With the funding from taxpayers, council borrowing, the eventual sale of council land, including the site of the current central library and only limited private sector sponsorship or investment, the building will not fall victim to the credit crunch he insisted.

With 31,000 square metres of floor space squeezed between the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Baskerville House the library reaches ten storeys high - topped with balconies and elevated gardens.

A further striking feature is the subterranean levels which reach under Centenary Square beneath ground level, breaking out with a sunken circular open air amphitheatre - where musicians can serenade passers by.

It’s glazed elevations are fronted with circle patterned fine metal layer inspired by Birmingham’s industrial and jewellary manufacturing tradition.

The grand scheme was today unveiled by Coun Whitby, the architect and partners from the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

As well as providing exhibition space for many of the city’s hidden historic archives, including Shakespeare’s First Folio of 1623, the library will be equipped with the latest digital technology and designed to meet the demands of the 21st Century.

It will share the entrance foyer, cafe, exhibition space and 300 seat auditorium with the neighbouring Theatre.
Artists impression of the proposed amphitheatre near new Birmingham central library

Theatre director Stuart Rogers said: “We are delighted with the highly imaginative way that Mecanoo are planning to link the distinctive and much-loved Birmingham Repertory Theatre with the new Library of Birmingham.

“ The new facilities will allow both of us to work creatively together and thereby keep Birmingham’s unique cultural offer amongst the greatest in the world.”

Assuming a smooth run through a consultation and planning process, construction, to be carried out by Carillion, is expected to begin next year.

The decision to demolish the existing 1974 built Central Library, in Chamberlain Square has met with controversy, dividing opinion.

There have been attempts to get the building listed as a fine example of 20th century brutalist architecture, with some support from English Heritage.

But the Government is currently considering a council request for immunity from listing to ensure it can be demolished and the land sold to generate funds for the new building.

Prince Charles once famously condemned the Central Library, saying it resembled an incinerator more suited to burning books than storing them but supporters say it can be restored and renovated at a fraction of the cost of the new building.

The Council is asking the people of Birmingham, including Mail readers, to view the plans and comment on them. A series of public exhibitions, including one at the Central Library begins on April 20 and will run until mid May. Full details are available at www.birmingham.gov.uk/libraryofbirmingham.

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. - Birmingham City Council

www.birmingham.gov.uk